Huntsville gazette., 1887-12-10
NUMBER 3.

price OF raw material. could be accordingly
modified. Such reduction or free importation,
would serve besides to largely reduce the rev.
enue. 1t is not apparent how such change can
have any injurious effect upon manufacturers.
On the contrary, it would appear to give them
better chance in foreign markets with the
manufacturers OF other countries, who cheaper
their wares by free material. Thus our people
might have the opportunity of extending their
sales beyond the limits of home
consumption, saving them from the depression,
glutted domestic market, and affording their
employees more certain and steady labor, with
its resulting quiet and contentment.
The question thus 1mperatlvely presented for
solution should be approached in spirit higher
than partisanship, and considered in the light
of that regard for patriotic duty which should
characterize the action OF those intrusted with
the veal OF confiding people But the obliga-
ton to declared party policy and principle is
not wanting TO urge prompt and effective ac-
ton. Both of the great political parties now
represented in the Government have, by repeat
ed and authoritative declarations, condemned
the condition of our laws which permit the col.
lection from the people of unnecessary revenue,
ana have, IN the most solemn manner, promised
its correction; and neither as citizens or parti-
sans are our countrymen in mood to condonc
the deliberate violation OF these pledges.
Our progress toward a wise CONCLUSION will
not be improved by dwelling upon the theories
of protection and free trade. This savors too
much of bandying epithets. 1t Is o condition
which confronts us-not theory Relief from
this condition may involve slight reduction Of
the advantages which we award our home pro-
duetions, but the entire withdrawal OF
such advantages should not be contemplat
ed. The question of free trade is absolutely
irrelevant and, the persistent claim made in
certain quarters that all efforts to relieve the
people from unjust and unnecessary taxation
are schemes OF So-called free traders, is mis-
chievous and far removed from any consdera-
ton for the public good. The simple and plain
duty which we owe the people is TO reduce
taxation to the necessary expenses of an
economical operation of the Government and
to restore to the business of the country the
money which we hold in the treasury through
the perversion Of governmental powers. These
things can and should be done with safety to
all our industries, without danger to the op-
portunity for remunerative labor which our
workingmen need and with benefit to them and
all our people, by cheapening their means of
subsistence and increasing the measure of
their comforts,
The Constitution provides that the President
shall from time to time, give to the Congress
information of the State of the Union. II has
been the custom of the Executive, in compli-
ance with this provision, to annually exhibit to
Congress, at the opening OF its session, the
general condition of the country and to detail
with some particularity. the operations Of the
different executive departments. | would be
especially agreeable to follow this course at
the present time, and to call attention to the
valuable accomplishments of these de
partments during the last fiscal year.
But I am so much impressed with the
paramount Importance Of the subject to which
his communication has thus far been devoted,
hat shall forego the addition Of any other
oplc, and only urge upon your immediate CON
sderation the ''state of the Union,'' as shown
in the present condition of our Treasury and
our general fiscal situation, upon which every
element of our safety and prosperity depends.
The reports OF the heads departments, which
will be submitted, contain full and explicit In
formation touching the transactions OF the
business intrusted TO them and such recon-
mendations relating to legislation in the public
interest as they deem advisable. L ask for
these reports and recommendations the delib
crate examination and action of the legislative
branch of the Government.
There are other subjects not embraced in the
departmental reports demanding legislative
consideration and which I should be glad to
SUBMIT Some OF them, however, have been
earnestly presented in previous messages and
as to them, l beg leave TO repeat prior recon-
mendations.
AS the law makes no provision for any report
from the Department Of State, brief history
Of the transactions Of that important depart
ment, together with other matters which it may
hereafter be deemed essential to commend to
the attention of the Congress, may furnish the
occasion for future communication.
GSignedl GROVER CLEVELAND.
Washington ID, c., Dec. 6, 1887.